Custom RGM Peseux 260 Wristwatch Build

SteveG's detailed account of transforming a vintage Peseux 260 movement into a custom wristwatch by RGM Company offers a fascinating look into bespoke watchmaking. This journey highlights the intricate process of creating a unique timepiece, from movement adaptation to case and dial design. It underscores the dedication required to bring a horological vision to life.

For several years I have had this Peseux 260, finished and assembled by Ulysse Nardin, and still in its aluminum 
testing case. It is a beautiful movement, with all the best contemporaneous features for accurate and consistent 
running: Guillaume balance, blued overcoil hairspring, and a fine adjustor. The finish is both technically and 
aesthetically excellent, a watch to be displayed and enjoyed.  Alas, while I could check it out on my desk, and 
study it under a loupe, I really wanted my treasure to be made into a wristwatch: 
 




Eventually, I found a watchmaker who agreed to make my dream a reality, RGM Company of 
horologically-saturated Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. 

This was to be not an easy road, and considerable time passed, but in the end I was returned a unique 
and beautiful, and very wearable wristwatch. Roland Murphy, Richard Baugh, one of the RGM watchmakers, 
Benoit, and their company truly extended themselves to prove their competance, 
and their confidence. 

  

Their recommendation was to use a case from their 151 Pilots' line, a straightforward modern design with

curved lugs, 38mm diameter. This would be large enough to adapt to the 30mm Peseux movement, and Roland

felt that a titanium case would provide the best protection for the rather delicate, non-shockproofed movement.

RGM would need to fabricate a custom movement ring, and a display back specific to the application. Also, the

watch would require a new stem, sized to the case. Since the original testing case was much smaller, the dial and

hands would also be new; here was the opportunity to design a very special look. Much to my delight, RGM has even

provided documentation of the process, pictures we all can enjoy.

Preparing to mill the movement spacer ring from brass:

Almost finished:



 Ring in place.  Note the notch at top for the stem:

 

 Movement, ring, case:



 Turning the back bezel from titanium:



 Finished piece:


  

The major parts:  case, dial and bezel, movement and spacer, back bezel:



 Fabricating a new stem:



 Finished and blued stem:


  

Preparing to polish the cap for the top escape jewel:



 The keyless works:



 Parts for the timekeeping train:



 A simple movement:

 

 Halfway home!



 Working movement:



 Happy watchmaker:

 

 Ready to assemble:



 Finished watch from the back...



 ...and from the front: